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Key Points

Rapper Eminem made a surprising casting request for his semi-autobiographical film 8 Mile. Music producer Damion Young revealed that Eminem wanted Mariah Carey to portray his mother, despite her being only four years older than him. Carey was reportedly uncomfortable with the proposition, and the role ultimately went to Kim Basinger. The revelation offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes glimpse into the film's early casting considerations.

Key Points: Eminem's 8 Mile Casting Shocker Mariah Carey as Mom

  • Eminem sought Mariah Carey for maternal role despite age proximity
  • Damion Young facilitated initial introduction between artists
  • Kim Basinger ultimately played the role
2 min read

Eminem wanted Mariah Carey to play his mother in '8 Mile'

Rapper Eminem wanted Mariah Carey to play his mother in 8 Mile, revealing an unexpected casting twist in the iconic film.

Eminem wanted Mariah Carey to play his mother in '8 Mile'
"I want you to play my mother - Eminem (via Damion Young)"

Los Angeles, June 11

Rapper Eminem, who essayed the lead in '8 Mile', had a different plan for his family set-up in the film, largely different from the final outcome.

Music producer Damion "Damizza" Young recently claimed the 'Spacebound' rapper, 52, wanted Carey, 56, to play his mother in 8 Mile, despite the five-time Grammy winner being just four years his senior, reports 'People' magazine.

Young, who first worked with Carey when he produced her 1998 single "I Still Believe" featuring Krayzie Bone and Da Brat, made the revelation on the latest episode of the 'TFU Podcast'.

He said he's responsible for introducing the 'Obsessed' singer and Eminem. According to the industry veteran, Carey had recently released 'Heartbreaker' with JAY-Z and was doing great in her career, but expressed that she was now interested in taking on a movie role.

As per 'People', Young said he was in the process of advising her against signing on to do Glitter, since it was an independent film, when he got a call from Eminem's camp with the '8 Mile' offer, which he also didn't necessarily approve of.

Referring to the opportunity as Carey's "Achilles' heel", Young felt he was at a crossroads. "'If I don't say something and then it comes another route in the business or something, then I'm the bad guy'", he said of his thought process, and the reason he ultimately made the introduction between the two stars.

"So I go to Mariah, and I'm like, 'Look, Eminem wants to meet you', and she's like, 'No'", he said of his first attempt. However, once Young told her it was for a movie, she allegedly asked for the rapper's number.

Young claimed he pleaded with Eminem, saying, "'Don't do this. I know where you're going with this'", making mention of his history with Christina Aguilera. "I'm managing this girl, and it's gonna cause me a problem", he warned. Eminem allegedly replied, "'No, I genuinely want her in the movie'", the music producer recalled.

With all three finally on a call to discuss the role, Young said Carey was told, "'I want you to play my mother'. She did not like that s***at all", Young said. "Her insecurities kicked in big time".

Academy Award winner Kim Basinger, now 71, was ultimately cast in the role.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Wow, this would have been such a weird casting! Mariah is only 4 years older than Eminem. Bollywood does this kind of age-inappropriate casting all the time too 😅 Glad they went with Kim Basinger instead.
P
Priya M.
As someone who grew up listening to both these artists in the 2000s, this revelation is hilarious! Their feud was legendary, and now we know it might have started because Eminem wanted her to play his mom?! 😂
A
Arjun S.
Interesting how Hollywood stars have similar ego issues as our Bollywood stars. Imagine if some young actor asked Deepika Padukone to play his mother - the internet would explode!
S
Sunita P.
Honestly, this seems like Eminem was trolling Mariah from the beginning. The man is known for his controversial lyrics and public feuds. Maybe he never seriously wanted her for the role, just wanted to mess with her.
V
Vikram J.
The real tea here is that Damion Young was trying to manage both careers at once. That's never a good idea in showbiz, whether in Hollywood or Bollywood. Conflict of interest hai bhai!
N
Neha R.
I think Kim Basinger did a fantastic job in the role. Sometimes what seems like a bad decision (Mariah saying no) turns out to be for the best. The movie became iconic as it is!

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